InfoTrends predicts digitals dominate pro marketBy
Mike Tomkins(Wednesday, January 18, 2006 - 13:35 EST)A press release from market research company InfoTrends describes a new report looking at trends in professional photography.The study, titled "North American Professional Photography Market", predicts that 90% of all professional photographs will be captures using digital cameras by 2010. Currently, InfoTrends puts the digital market at closer to 70% of all pro images shot, and says that 65% of pros still use film cameras for some shoots. This latter figure is expected to drop until just 40% of pro photographers still use film cameras for any of their shoots by 2010.

InfoTrends reports that the US market consists of some 131,000 photographers, who together spend nearly $800 million on photography equipment each year (a little over $6100 apiece). In creating the study, the company interviewed over 1,750 professional photographers, 200 commercial photography customers, and 1,200 consumers that have used professional photography services. Further details can be found in the press release below.Thanks to
Peter Burian
for this item!

Original Source Press Release:

Major InfoTrends Study Indicates Digital Cameras Will Dominate Professional Photography Market by 2010 90% of professional pictures will be taken with digital cameras by 2010

(Weymouth, MA) capv_convert_date('20060117') January, 17 2006... InfoTrends, the leading worldwide digital imaging and document solutions research and consulting firm, is pleased to announce the release of its highly anticipated multi-client study, North American Professional Photography Market ( http://www.capv.com/home/Multiclient/ProPhotography.html ) . The study provides camera, printer, software, supplies, and service providers with the information necessary to support their marketing efforts, product planning, and distribution initiatives in the professional photography market in North America.

According to the study, there are over 131,000 professional photographers in North America , and they spend nearly $800 million a year on cameras, lenses, printers, ink and media, software, and other accessories. Approximately 65% of these professional photographers use film cameras for some of their shoots, however, InfoTrends' estimates that 70% of all professional photos are taken with digital cameras.

The study indicates that by the end of the decade, 90% of professional pictures will be taken with digital cameras, and less than 40% of professional photographers will still use film cameras. Pro photographers continue to purchase new digital cameras and backs as performance improves; however, falling prices are keeping overall camera revenue flat.

"The transition to digital is changing the economics and profile of the professional photography industry," commented Jeff Hayes, Group Director at InfoTrends. "Digital technology is lowering the barriers to entry and increasing competition. Successful pro photographers in the future will have more automated workflows from capture through publishing, establish a strong Web presence, and diversify their offering to include more post-capture products and services."

The prevalence of digital cameras in this industry is increasing, but many professional photographers are struggling with photo editing, management, and printing issues due to the volume of digital pictures taken, the learning curve associated with software, and demands from their clients. Photographers indicate that they are spending more of their time in post-shoot activities and less time marketing and taking pictures.

"Many photographers struggle with pulling all the pieces together to get the most out of digital technology, especially after taking the shot," noted Hayes. "While advances in image sensors, lenses, and photo printers are exciting, many of the biggest productivity and business improvements are coming from editing, color management, workflow, photo management, and collaboration."

Research for the study consisted of interviews with over 1,750 professional photographers, 200 commercial photography customers, and 1,200 consumers that have used professional photography services. All the market sizing and research findings are split by key segments, including commercial, editorial, portrait and wedding, fine art/nature, and school photography.

InfoTrends is the leading worldwide market research and strategic consulting firm for the digital imaging and document solutions industry. We provide research, analysis, forecasts, and advice to help clients understand market trends, identify opportunities, and develop strategies to grow their businesses. Additional information about InfoTrends is available on the Web at http://www.infotrends-rgi.com .